Barcelona turn to Hamza Abdulkareem as last-resort striker option

Barcelona’s search for a new striker is becoming increasingly difficult as the summer transfer window approaches its conclusion, with a move for Julian Alvarez now considered highly complicated and a deal for Lautaro Martinez offering no easier solution.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona remain determined to sign a recognised centre-forward to strengthen Hansi Flick’s squad. However, if the club fail to complete a deal, Flick may have to rely on the players already available to him, with Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdulkareem emerging as one of the possible contingency options.

Hamza is not being considered Barcelona’s preferred replacement for a new signing. Instead, Sport describes him as one of the final alternatives the club could use if all other avenues are exhausted before the transfer window closes.

The most immediate internal option is Raphinha, who operated as a striker during Barcelona’s match against Elche and produced a strong performance in the role. Anthony Gordon is another possibility for Flick, particularly because he can play either on the wing or move into a more central position.

Flick’s list of attacking solutions is not limited to those two players. The Barcelona manager has several options at his disposal and can adjust his choice according to the demands of each match.

Hamza’s potential inclusion would provide a different type of solution. Unlike Raphinha and Gordon, who would be required to play outside their usual positions, the Egyptian is naturally a centre-forward. His presence could therefore offer Barcelona a more conventional option in attack if the club are unable to recruit a specialist striker.

The order of Barcelona’s plans remains clear. Their first priority is to secure a leading striker, with Julian Alvarez among the main targets. If that proves impossible, the club would look for other available players in the transfer market before turning to Raphinha, Gordon and other members of the existing squad.

Only after those possibilities had been exhausted would Hamza Abdulkareem become one of Flick’s final choices for the position.

His inclusion in Barcelona’s calculations does not mean the club have decided to make him a regular first-team striker for the season. Rather, it reflects the increasingly difficult position facing the club as the end of the transfer window draws near.

With only the final days of the market remaining, Barcelona sporting director Deco must still try to complete a deal for a new forward. If he is unable to do so, the emergency plan could create a genuine opportunity for Hamza, even though the young Egyptian currently sits at the bottom of Flick’s list of attacking alternatives.